
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. “That’s why it’s important that doctors and patients have an open and honest dialogue and work together on solutions to address individual needs.” “Since alopecia areata is unpredictable and impacts patients in different ways, every patient’s experience with specific treatments or products will vary,” Napatalung says. The most important thing to do is consult a doctor to help decide which option is best for you. Sometimes, hair loss might occur again, even when treatment was previously successful. It’s important to remember that not all treatments work for every person. “Treatments range from prescription topicals to prescriptions pills, in-office injections, and in-office topical therapies.” There are also a few over-the-counter options. “Most of the treatments involve keeping the immune system from attacking the hair follicles,” Geddes-Bruce says. This works best for those with less severe hair loss. Other forms of treatment involve stimulating hair growth. You might need to try a few treatments before finding one that works for you.Īs alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, several treatments involve the use of immunosuppressant drugs. People living with alopecia areata have options when it comes to managing their condition - although there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. What to know about treating alopecia areata The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) reports that the condition affects as many as 6.8 million people in the United States and 147 million people worldwide. The condition can result in total hair loss, known as alopecia universalis, and the hair might not grow back.

It often starts in adolescence or early adulthood. Lynne Napatalung, the medical director of dermatology at Pfizer. People with alopecia areata can lose a significant amount of hair on their head, face, and body, according to Dr. Some people think it may be triggered by a viral infection,” she says. “It’s typically asymptomatic, meaning it’s not painful or itchy for most individuals. In more severe cases it can affect the entire scalp,” says Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, a board certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas. Often, it presents as circular patches of complete hair loss. “Alopecia areata can happen to anyone, at any age, and it doesn’t discriminate based on race or gender. This hair loss often occurs on the scalp, but it can also affect eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair, and body hair.

When alopecia areata occurs, inflammatory cells infiltrate the hair follicle, which can result in hair loss.
